Arles and the Camargue

Arles and the CamargueEsplanade Charle de Gaulle, boulevard de Lices13200Arlesfr

Arles is a city with an antique past that has been recognised by UNESCO for its Roman and Romanesque Monuments, its pilgrimage routes (Santiago de Compostela, Rome and Jerusalem), and also for the world-renowned Camargue Nature Park – a member of the World Biosphere Reserves network.

Arles is the gateway to the Camargue at the delta of the Rhône River, among some of Europe’s most beautiful natural sites. Its flora and fauna - protected by the Camargue Regional Nature Park - are exceptionally rich and varied.

To the north of the city stretches the Alpilles Regional Nature Park, with agricultural land and Mediterranean forests, which is a habitat for more than one hundred rare or protected species.

The city of Arles is closely connected to the Post-Impressionist artist Vincent Van Gogh whose stay in Arles was one of the most productive periods in his career, with over 300 paintings and drawings completed in 15 months.

Must-See

Roman heritage: the roman arena, the antique theatre, the cryptoportiques (underground galleries) of the forum, the Constantine baths and the Alyscamps necropolis.

*Feria – taken from the Spanish word a feria in southern France is usually when the city/town/village is given up to a local celebration. This can – and traditionally did – involve holding bullfights, or bull-running, during the festival. Other typical features also include temporary outdoor bars and restaurants, known as Bodegas, being set up throughout the town.